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LET ME WEEP

                                                                                                   -Karthik Thiyagarajan, IXth Abhinav Vidyalay

Lately, I’ve been listening to Soprano pieces of music. The soprano is the highest vocal range in classical music. The vocal range of a soprano is about 261-1046 Hz. It is derived from the Italian word ‘Sopra’ which means ‘above’.

 Of all the Soprano music my most favorite one is Lascia ch’io pianga.


Lascia ch’io pianga is an Italian soprano aria composed by George Frideric Handel


Now, what is an aria?

Aria is a solo in opera which can be performed with or without orchestral accompaniment.


Lascia ch’io pianga is one of the most famous arias composed by George Friedric Handel. It made its appearance in 1705 in act 3 of Handel's opera Almira. Later in 1711 Handel used the music but changed the lyrics of the aria for his London opera Rinaldo which is now known as ‘Lascia ch’io pianga’.


OUTLINE: Goffredo, the leader of the Christian camp, promises his commander Rinaldo the hand of his daughter Almirena in marriage if they defeat their enemies. Armida, a sorceress on the enemy side, captures Alminera with magic in front of Rinaldo. He was powerless and couldn’t save her Armida got away with Alminera captive. She is held in the garden of the castle of Almira, where she expresses her fate and pleads for freedom and mercy.


                                   Image credits- Liveabout.com


ITALIAN LYRICS:                ENGLISH TRANSLATION:


Lascia ch’io pianga            Let me cry over 

mia cruda sorte,                  my cruel fate, 

e che sospiri                          and that let me

la libertà.                                Sigh for freedom


Il duolo infranga                 may my sorrow shatter           

queste ritorte,                      these chains, 

de’ miei martiri                    in my sufferings

sol per pietà.                          Out of pity




Why do I like This Aria?

I really like this aria. It’s very touching, the melody is very satisfying. I like the way the orchestral music and vocals blend in with each other. The first time I ever heard this aria was in a Korean Television series called ‘the penthouse’.  I wasn’t a fan of it until I heard it the second time. I’ve seen many performances of this aria but out of all of them, my favorite one is by Patricia Petibon.   Her expression throughout the performance and her gentle voice were magnificent and were heartfelt.



Lascia ch’io pianga by Patricia Petibon:-

HAENDEL : Lascia ch'io pianga, par Patricia Petibon.


                                        THANK YOU FOR READING!

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